Lawmakers: Climate change hurting Lake Michigan

The Chicago shoreline of Lake Michigan is shown in this undated file photo.

September 23, 2013 2:41:36 PM PDT

September 23, 2013 (CHICAGO) --

The effects of climate change and repeated flooding are damaging Lake Michigan, according to some lawmakers who are calling for action.

Congressman Mike Quigley and other local officials gathered along the lakefront to emphasize the issue's importance. They say lower water levels and warmer temperatures may increase the amount of mercury in the food chain.

"There's an urgency that we are falling behind now to work on an issue of climate change, that perhaps won't affect us, certainly won't affect us nearly as much as future generations. That is the struggle in congress. That is the struggle at the state and local level," U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D) Illinois, said.

Quigley says the House of Representatives' lack of action to protect the environment is counter- balanced by president Obama's actions, but Quigley said there's much more work to be done.